Although negotiators took a break Sunday, daily talks have taken place since the middle of last week, Cubs spokesman Julian Green said. Negotiations involve Emanuel aide Matt Hynes, Cubs Vice President Mike Lufrano and Wrigleyville Ald. Thomas Tunney, 44th, according to Green.

Ricketts repeatedly has identified today as the deadline for talks to conclude, although Emanuel not set a specific date. The mayor has, however, made it clear he wants the issue resolved as quickly as possible.

Emanuel again reminded reporters Monday that Ricketts is not asking for taxpayer subsidies to get the rehab done. Last year, Ricketts was seeking to use a portion of the city’s amusement tax to help pay for the project, but a deal did not materialize.

Today, Emanuel stuck to his oft-repeated position that he believes the interested parties are close to reaching an agreement that will protect interests in and around the park.

"There's good progress made to both allow the Cubs owners to make the investments they need in the stadium -- that they need to make in their stadium -- and there's good progress also to make sure the community around Wrigley, what is known as Wrigleyville, sees the type of parking and security they need for games to also enjoy the community," Emanuel said at an unrelated news conference at the 5th District police station in the Pullman neighborhood. "And I believe, as I said before, so this is not new, there will be a time in which the fog will lift in the negotiations, people will see what's in front of them as a victory.

"I did not set the deadline. They did," Emanuel added, speaking of the Ricketts family. "And they're a party to the conversation, and I believe when they have -- when all the parties have something to say, they'll say it."

The Ricketts family has proposed spending $300 million to rehab the nearly 100-year-old stadium and another $200 million on a hotel and other development in the surrounding area.

But the rehab is fraught with complications because of the ballpark’s landmark status, a 20-year agreement the Cubs have with nearby owners of rooftop clubs and resident concerns about congestion and crime.

The rooftop owners have offered to put signs on their buildings and let the Cubs keep the revenue, but they want to extend their agreement with the Cubs. The team, meanwhile, wants inside-the-park signs, including a 6,000-square-foot video screen, that could block the lucrative views from the rooftops.